New Homes vs. Older Homes

    It used to be that new homes cost more than older homes, but that's not necessarily true anymore. As land costs increase, the size of new home lots have gotten smaller. Another reason today's construction is cheaper is because it's less expensive to use 2 X 4 pine framing or engineered wood over 2 X 6 redwood and to use drywall instead of plaster.
    So, here are some advantages and disadvantages to consider when trying to determine whether you should buy a newer home or an older home.
    Advantages to Buying an Older Home

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  Old world construction
  Older homes have stood for decades, some centuries, and weathered many storms. Some were built by hand by genuine craftsman, with meticulous attention to detail.
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  Larger yard
  Years ago, when land was cheaper, builders built on larger lot sizes.
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  Established neighborhood
  Zoning changes are unlikely to occur in older areas.
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  Mature trees and vegetation
  It's not uncommon to see 100 year old trees providing canopies in yards.
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  Closer to downtown entertainment and restaurants
  Not only do older areas tend to be located closer to downtown areas, but often residents can walk to local coffeehouses and antique stores.
  
  
  Drawbacks to Buying an Older Home
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  More maintenance
  If it were a "perfect" house, everything would fall apart at the same time. But things tend to go wrong periodically, and there's always something to fix. Chimneys and stone foundations require tuckpointing. Floors may slope.
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  Expensive to replace wiring and plumbing
  If a home was built before sewer systems, the cesspool might overflow into a sewer. Tree roots break up sewer pipes. Galvanized pipes are rust-prone. Sensitive electronics require grounded wiring, and Romex can't be mixed with knob and tube.
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  Smaller closets, storage space, garages
  Before today's concept of "bigger is better", people had less clothing, fewer personal items to store and one car.
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  Might require updates
  Apart from HVAX systems…I don't know how those in hot climates get by without central air…Trendy updates involve pricey kitchen and bath remodels.
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  Often more expensive
  Classic and vintage homes generally cost more because of the location, meaning closer to conveniences such as schools, mass transit, shopping and urban amenities.
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  On average, smaller square footage
  With the exception of estates, many older homes are smaller in size, even though family sizes were larger when they were built.
  
  
  Advantages to Buying a Newer Home
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  Little maintenance
  New construction is meant to last for a while, so new home owners are not likely to install a new roof or replace the water heater.
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  Modern conveniences
  Many items are standard such as built-in dishwashers and wine coolers. They feature master suite baths, work-out and media rooms; wiring systems are networked.
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  Energy efficient
  Many homes are built with solar panels that can turn back the electric meter. New appliances use less energy. Walls, ceilings and floors are insulated. Dual pane windows retain more heat in the winter and keep the home cooler in the summer.
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  Built to code
  Code regulations change all the time. Consumer's safety issues are continually addressed in new construction and conform to building codes.
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  Greater square footage, on average.
  It's typical to see two bedrooms homes with 1,000 square feet sell for the same as a two-story, 2,500 square foot home in the suburbs. When builders can't build out, they build up.
  
  
  Drawbacks to Buying a Newer Home
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  Immature vegetation
  It can take years for trees to grow. For example, the front of Mediterranean homes look magnificent, but look out an upstairs' window and everybody's lawn is dirt.
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  House settling
  New houses settle. It happens everywhere, regardless of the type of soil. Settling causes cracks in foundations, walls and door frames.
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  Longer commuting distances to downtown
  If you want to be where the action is in the downtown area or avoid the drive to work in rush-hour traffic, the distance from downtown might make a difference to you.
  
  
  So, when deciding to purchase a home, think about the advantages and disadvantages of both new construction homes and older homes. Please leave a comment below to tell me how this blog has helped you.
  
  
              Go to http://www.shanellrobinson.lnf.com/ to view my office listings, search for homes and MUCH more!
                
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